For some, ski season never really seemed to take off, as the Front Range struggled with snow all year long. But the skiing is still fine, as the dedicated discovered at Loveland this past weekend, when the best powder dump of the year drew flocks. Strangely enough, as Loveland prepares to shut down for the season this weekend, it looks like more of the same, as the forecast calls for snow beginning Thursday and lasting into the weekend. That should put a great cap on the festivities.
Echo Mountain Park closes this Sunday with its annual Slush Cup Pond Skim on its Last Day Meltdown, sponsored by Clif Bar. Registration is free for the event, and the competitor who completes the course the fastest, which includes a skim across cold, slushy water, wins $250. Echo staff will be grilling during the day, and you can still buy a 2010/2011 season pass for $149 through Sunday.
Loveland's going all-out for its closing weekend, with a full slate of parties both days. On Saturday, they are co-sponsoring the Tall T's n' Tacos Terrain Park Competition with Wahoo's Fish Tacos. Registration for the event is $20 and includes a free tall tee and lunch from Wahoo's, and there will be $10,000 worth of prizes given out. Go to the Wahoo's website for discounted registration and lift tickets. After ollie'ing up the terrain park Saturday, go back on Sunday for skiing, specials on Tommyknocker Beer, and live tunes from Arnie K. Green.
With these two resorts closing, it leaves Arapahoe Basin as the lone resort still turning its lifts, which will run to June 6. The Basin is also planning events, in addition to the regular beach parties thrown by the regulars. This Saturday is the 7th Annual Huck, Rock, and Roll terrain park competition, with prizes including snowboards, skis, goggles, and hoodies, as well as a schwag bag for each entrant. Cost is $10 to register. A sneak peak at the end of the month shows the 9th Annual Festival of the Brewpubs, with $20 getting you a 14 ounce mug and samples of various Colorado microbrews, including Pug Ryan's, Breckenridge Brewery, and Backcountry Brewery, with live music from That Eighties Band.
